Families For Life | Turn stories into family bonding moments
Are your kids the type to ask for “one more story” before bed? Maybe they negotiate for three stories or insist on the same book for the tenth night in a row. Storytime, be it before bed or as filler conversations throughout the day, makes a great medium for you and your loved ones to understand each other, connect on a deeper level, and grow closer.
Why stories matter for families
Sharing stories is beneficial for everyone in the family. It’s a way to slow down, put aside distractions, and be fully present with each other. Sharing stories, be it from personal experience or imagination, creates moments of shared joy, opens conversations, and brings everyone together on an emotional level.
Beyond family bonding, reading or storytelling can improve your child's vocabulary and comprehension skills, and is also a good way for kids to learn about life. With so much to gain, cultivating the habit of loving stories – be it reading, listening, or telling them, is a wonderful gift a parent can give a child.
Making storytime a family ritual
Including regular storytime as part of your family routines doesn’t need to be complicated. A few small habits can turn into bonding opportunities:
Set a time that works
While bedtime is a popular time for stories, you can also share them over lunch or at specific times on weekends. In fact, sometimes the best stories can be told on the fly, like during grocery shopping, waiting in line, or walking around a shopping mall.
Use voices, gestures, or props
Don’t be shy! A silly voice or hand puppet made from old socks can make any story fun!
Screens are optional
While screens can help visualise stories better, letting your child imagine their own characters, storylines, and settings is equally valuable. Face-to-face storytelling is generally the most effective way to engage and connect with your child.
Be consistent
As with any family ritual, make sure storytimes happen regularly. Even if it’s just 10 minutes a day, it helps make family storytime something the whole family can look forward to and enjoy together.
Storytime beyond books
Storybooks are often the starting point for family storytelling, but you don’t have to stop there! Kids also love hearing real-life stories, like what you were like at their age, or funny memories of their grandparents. You can make up stories together by turning everyday moments, like car rides or mealtimes, into spontaneous storytelling sessions. Even ordinary objects like laundry or toys can inspire a tale. The sky’s not the limit – the key is in your imagination!
Any story is a memory in the making
You don’t have to be the best storyteller to create great stories. Wherever your imagination leads, each story is a chance to bond, understand each other better, and have fun together.
Start small. Let your child choose a book, take turns reading out loud, or make up something on the fly. You might be surprised at how quickly it becomes your thing. Just your voice, your presence, and your enthusiasm can be the start of your next family ritual!